Malaysia 50 years WWF Coins

Today, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is launching Malaysia 50 years WWF Coins. The new coins were launched by DYMM Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. BNM produce three types of commemorative coins to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The coins are legal tender in Malaysia.

Photo by Utusan: New WWF 50 years anniversary coins.

On the coin obverse, the circumference of the coin depicts images of the nation's endangered animal species such as the tiger, rhinoceros, tapir, elephant and turtle. The centre of the coin features the image of the forests which is important for the survival of the wildlife. This also represents WWF's efforts in protecting the environment, the preservation of the endangered wildlife and the conservation of the forest habitat in Malaysia. The words "50th Anniversary" is to commemorate 50 years of WWF's efforts in addressing the environmental issues, while the years "1961-2011" signifies the period the WWF's establishment.

Photo by BNM Facebook: 50th Anniversary of WWF

On the coin reverse, the centre of the coin depicts both the registered trademark and logo of the organisation which are "WWF" and the Panda. The words "Bank Negara Malaysia" which is the issuing authority of the commemorative coin appears on the top circumference of the coin. The denomination of the coin appears on the lower circumference. The image and silhouette of the Azlanii Rafflesia flower which is unique to Malaysia is featured on the left side of the coin.

Technical Specifications:

Type: Gold Proof

Alloy: Gold (Au999.9)

Face Value (RM): 100

Selling Price (RM): 1,800

Mintage Quantity (piece/set): 250

Diameter(mm): 22.00

Weight(gram): 7.96

Shape: Round with milled edge

Type: Silver Proof

Alloy: Silver (Ag92.5)

Face Value (RM): 10

Selling Price (RM): 150

Mintage Quantity (piece/set): 350

Diameter(mm): 35.70

Weight(gram): 21.00

Shape: Round with milled edge

Type: Nordic Gold (B.U.)

Alloy: Cu89 Zn5 Al5 Sn1

Face Value (RM): 1

Selling Price (RM): 10

Mintage Quantity (piece/set): 10,000

Diameter(mm): 30.00

Weight(gram): 8.80

Shape: Round with milled edge

These commemorative coins are also available in a set of 3 and a set of 2. The Set of 3 consists of the gold, silver and Nordic gold proof coins. It will be sold at RM2,000 per set with only 300 sets available. The Set of 2 consists of the silver and Nordic gold proof coins. This set will be sold at RM200 per set with only 300 sets available.

These commemorative coins are minted and distributed by Bank Negara Malaysia and will be available for sale from 25 November 2011 at Bank Negara Malaysia's headquarters (BNMLINK) and its regional offices and branches located in Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

London 2012 Kilo Gold Coins

Royal Mint UK, in partnership with the Royal Academy, recently announced a launch of two magnificent UK kilo coins, London 2012 Kilo Gold  and Silver Coins. The first ever UK Gold Kilo coin, designed by one of the most influential sculptors of modern times, Sir Anthony Caro. Sir Anthony is a member of the Royal Academy and one of Britain’s most prolific and respected sculptors, is known as a modernist pioneer, having studied under both Sir Charles Wheeler and Sir Henry Moore. Both the coins design approved by the Queen and will be legal tender in Britain.

The coin itself is a mark for UK Legislation changes, before this, in the 40-year-old 1971 Coinage Act, there is a clause which limited the weight of UK coins. The first kilo coins of the realm, is the culmination of a journey which saw the introduction of this new primary legislation, itself further evidence that at the highest levels the UK not only supports the aspirations of London 2012, but is prepared to make legislative history in the process. 

In his magnificent design for the gold kilo coin for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sir Anthony has remained true to his sculptural ideals, creating an imposing design that took all the skill of the Royal Mint’s hugely experienced craftsman to embody. The coin, which represents individual endeavour at the Games, is in a sculptured relief that is far higher than any coin that we have struck, lending extra gravitas to an impressive numismatic first. The obverse of the coins features her effigy, created by sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, whose design of Her Majesty appears on all UK and Commonwealth coinage since 1998. It is presented in a beautifully crafted, specially designed presentation box accompanied by an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Each Certificate of Authenticity has been personally signed by Sir Anthony Caro.

Technical Specification:
Face Value: £1,000
Metal: 22-carat. 916 gold
Weight: 1 kilo
Mintage: 60 pieces
Designer: Sir Anthony Caro

You can order your London 2012 Gold Kilo Coin by calling 01443 623855, between the hours of 9.00- 17.00 (Mon-Thurs) or 9.00-16.00 (Fri) and ask to speak to Jane Clark. Royal Mint also produced London 2012 Kilo Silver Coins.

Source: Royal Mint UK.

Crown of Saint Wenceslas Gold Coin

Recently, the Austrian Mint has issued a 100 Euro The Crown of St. Wenceslas Commemorative Gold Coin. The 16 grams gold coin struck in .986 fine gold with only 30,000 pieces mintage. The obverse of the gold coin portrays the Crown of St. Wenceslas The reverse shows a portrai t of Emperor Rudolf II. To his right a well-known view of Prague is depicted, with the Charles Bridge in the foreground and part s of the old town in the background. Prague castle (Hradschin) a nd St. Vitus's Cathedral, where the crown is kept today. The coin designed by Austrian Mint engraver, Herbert Waehner.

100 Euro The Crown of St. Wenceslas

Crown of Saint Wenceslas is the part of Bohemian crown jewels made in 1347. The St. Wenceslas Crown is wrought of extremely pure gold, 21 to 22 carat (88 to 92 %), decorated with precious stones and pearls. It contains a total of 19 sapphires, 44 spinels, 1 ruby, 30 emeralds and 20 pearls. One of the beautiful and amazing crown in this world.

Technical Specifications:
Date of issue: 2011, November 9th
Denomination: 100 Euros
Metal: Gold 986
Weight: 16 gram
Diameter: 30 mm
Mintage: 30,000 pcs
Designer: Herbert Waehner

You can buy the coin via online Austria Mint shop: https://www2.austrian-mint.at/mueshop

Spirit of Haida Gwaii gold coin

Yestreday, Royal Canadian Mint's has released a ultra-high relief creation, the world's first 10 kilo coin crafted of 99.999% pure gold, Spirit of Haida Gwaii gold coin. The coin  has been dedicated to Bill Reid's The Spirit of Haida Gwaii; one of the most celebrated masterpieces of Canadian art. This first-ever Canadian coin to bear a $100,000 face value was unveiled at the Bill Reid Gallery for Northwest Coast Art in Vancouver, British Columbia by Mr. James B. Love, Chair of the Royal Canadian Mint's Board of Directors and Dr. Martine Reid, Ph.D., Director of Research and Content at the Bill Reid Gallery.

The powerful image of The Spirit of Haida Gwaii was captured on the Mint's first 10-kilo gold coin by now retired Mint Master Engraver Cosme Saffioti. Inspired by the imposing scale of Bill Reid's masterpiece, he manually engraved a faithful recreation, using traditional techniques, to an ultra-high relief rarely achieved in the world of coin making. The result is a meticulously detailed sculpture of 99.999% pure gold, honouring the original in a spectacular new form. This extraordinary coin was struck at the Mint's Ottawa facility, using the same 2,500 tonne press from which the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games athlete medals were produced.

No more than 15 of these exclusive coins will be crafted for collectors of both fine art and of the finest gold in the world. Its price is a combination of the gold market rate at the time of purchase, plus a premium for its manufacturing and very limited mintage.

The engraving of Bill Reid's masterpiece appearing on the reverse of this coin is beautifully highlighted in a proof finish, contrasting the sculpture's image in a satin finish set against a brilliant, mirror-like background. The obverse of the coin, also finished in proof quality, features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II created by portrait artist Susanna Blunt in 2003.

In 1985, Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson commissioned Bill Reid to produce a sculpture for the new Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The result was The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Black Canoe, which is cast in bronze and represents Reid's largest and most complex sculpture standing almost four metres in height and weighing 4,900 kilos. A second casting, named The Jade Canoe, graces the terminal of the Vancouver International Airport, while the original plaster pattern of the monument is displayed at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.

On public display at the Mint's downtown Vancouver boutique on October 22 and 23 2011, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii 10-kilo pure gold collector coin is available directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada or at 1-800-268-6468 in the US. Interested buyers may also inquire about this coin at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver. More information is available at www.mint.ca/10kilo.

THE SPIRIT OF HAIDA GWAII 10-KILO 99.999% PURE GOLD COIN

The Spirit of Haida Gwaii pure gold coin is the world's first 10-kilo gold coin of 99.999% purity. Its $100,000 face value makes it the world's highest denomination 10-kilo gold coin and highest denomination non-circulation numismatic coin. It is the second-highest denomination coin ever produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, which produced a 100-kg gold bullion coin of 99.999% purity at $1,000,000 face value in 2007.

The coin's massive size (180 mm diameter) is fittingly complemented by the image of Bill Reid's monumental sculpture featured on its reverse. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, by Susanna Blunt.

Technical Specifications:

Composition: 99.999% gold

Weight (g): 10,000

Diameter (mm): 180

Edge: Serrated

Finish: Proof

Face Value: 100,000 dollars

Mintage: Made-to-order with a maximum of 15 coins

Artist: Bill Reid (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

Engraver: Cosme Saffioti

Orang Utan Silver Proof Coin

Perth Mint on behalf of Coin Club Australia has released Orang Utan Silver Proof Coin from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality. To any of you who did not know, Orang utan is characterized by its ape-like shape, shaggy red fur, long arms and grasping hands and feet. This ‘man of the forest’ is now only found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in south-east Asia. Only 5,000 pieces of this Wildlife in need coin series will be minted for worldwide shipment issued with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Each coin is housed in a display case with illustrated shipper.

The coin’s reverse features an adult Orangutan and baby in colour, against a forest backdrop. The lower reverse comprises a struck design showing a pair of supporting hands with a bamboo motif. The inscription WILDLIFE IN NEED – ORANGUTAN is also incorporated into the design.

Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coin’s obverse depicts the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2012 year-date.

Technical Specification:
Silver Content (Troy oz) 1
Monetary Denomination (AUD) 1
Fineness (% purity) 99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g) 31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm) 40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm) 4.00

For enquiries and coin orders, you can visit Perth Mint at http://www.perthmint.com.au/

No new RM50 for 2011

If you're looking for information about Malaysia new banknote, no new RM50 for 2011. I don't know where people get that information but I had seen they're over a dozen readers coming into my blog daily with the keywords "RM50 2011" and "New RM50". When I check around, they're announcement about this by BNM in Facebook. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) via its official Facebook page has announced that there is no new RM50 banknotes for the upcoming new Malaysia notes. The current RM50 banknote released in July 2009 will still be our RM50 notes for next year.

Picture: RM50 gold line on sale by Dickson Niew

About the new Malaysia banknote series, BNM still had not announce anything. In their last press statement about the new Malaysia coins, they will announce the new fourth series banknote design in the third quarter of 2011. We are in October, fourth quarter of 2011 but they're still no new news about it. BNM had reply in their Facebook pages that it will be released in October but still no official release date. Many banknote collector are waiting eagerly for the new notes announcement especially for the last prefix banknote collector. I know most of you check BNM website almost daily for the news.

BNM also don't reply if they will release any special commemorative banknotes for the new fourth series banknote. I think almost all collectors agree that BNM should announce everything early if they're new commemorative coin and banknote released since most collector want to get their collection at BNM themself. Buying from a third party will make the price go slightly higher then the release price. Hopefully BNM will consider this in their future announcement of Malaysia comemorative.

Again, sorry to share with everyone, they will not be a new RM50 for 2012.

Australia $5 Queen's visit coins

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will be visiting Australia starting tomorrow until 29 October 2011 to open a 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Canberra. The Royal Australian Mint has released a 2011 $5 Queen's visit commemorative coins. The coin features sixteen St Edward's Crowns, representing each time Her Majesty has visited Australia. It was designed by Mr Wojciech Pietranik, one of the Mint's most celebrated coin designers. The commemorative coins was launched by the Assistant Treasurer, Hon Bill Shorten on Monday.

The design has been approved by Her Majesty the Queen herself and will be packaged in a styled presentation card well suited to the occasion. The 2011 Queen's Visit $5 coin, retailing at AUD$20, is available now through the Royal Australian Mint, as is a special rolled CHOGM 2011 $1 coin product. The regal styled presentation card also includes a special pocket to add the CHOGM 2011 circulating commemorative $1 coin. Although it looks like gold, the coin is made of an aluminium, zinc and bronze mix.

Technical Specification:

Denomination: $5

Metal: Al/Zn/Bronze

Mass: 20.00g

Diameter: 38.74mm

Finish: Uncirculated

Mintage: Unlimited

Designer: W. Pietranik

For enquiries and coin orders, you can visit Royal Australian Mint at http://www.ramint.gov.au/

Bhutan Royal Wedding Coin

Bhutan's King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has married with his childhood sweetheart and India-educated commoner Jetsun Pema on 13 October 2011. The Royal Wedding of His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Queen Jetsun Pema is one of Bhutan's most anticipated event. Thousands of people have gathered in Bhutan's capital Thimphu to catch a glimpse of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his new queen after an elaborate wedding ceremony earlier this week. On Sunday, I check if the Bhutan Royal Wedding Coin still available, look like the" Bhutan Royal Wedding 1oz 999 Fine Silver Proof Colour Coin" has been sold out.

The Singapore Mint is the official Mint for the Bhutan Royal Wedding Commemorative Coins. The exclusive coins bear the portrait of the esteemed Royal Couple on the obverse and the logo of the Royal Wedding is featured on the reverse. The Royal Wedding Logo embodies the symbolic Khorlo (Wheel), signifying the Royalty; Two Circles with the Dhar (Ceremonial Scarf) signifying the Eternal Union of Thap (Method) and Sherab (Wisdom) and the Dham Tshig Tsangma and Lotus, symbolising the Purity of the Union. The Singapore Mint also produce two specially minted one-kilogramme coins as a Royal Wedding Coin Gift.

Specifications

Mintage: 20, 000 pc(s)

Issue Date: 01-Nov-2011

Diameter (mm): 40.70

Weight (g): 31.10

Material: 999 Fine Silver

Price: S$180.00

The coins sold by The Singapore Mint. For enquiries and coin orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 / 6895 0288 / 6222 2486 / 6238 9890 or www.singaporemint.com.

PS: This coin has been sold out since the 1st day of it release.

Santa Claus Christmas 2011 coin

Christmas day is still few months away but I know most of you are already looking for a nice Christmas gift. Royal Canadian Mint has released a new coin Santa Claus Christmas 2011 coin; 50-Cent Holiday Coin-Gift from Santa (2011). The Mint don't announce how much of the coin has been minted, only show "While Supplies Last" in this coin mintage information. This Copper plated steel coins is the fifth issue in Royal Canadian Mint annual series of Holiday lenticular coins. It has a bright colors and 2-image lenticular design: Santa point the globe to his next stop and see him fly to deliver gifts.

Coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve. Tilt the coin to reveal Santa in his flying sleigh! It’s a captivating effect created by this coin’s unique lenticular technology that’s bursting with vibrant colour.

Technical Specification:

Mintage:  While Supplies Last

Composition: copper plated steel

Finish: brilliant (with lenticular and colour on the reverse), specimen (obverse)

Weight: (g) 12.61

Diameter: (mm) 35

Edge: plain

Certificate: non-serialized

Face value: 50 cents

Artist: n/a

Price: USD26.67

For enquiries and coin orders, you can visit Royal Canadian Mint at http://www.mint.ca/

Singapore Native Orchids Coins 2011

Yesterday, The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) launched Singapore Native Orchids Coins 2011. The 2011 Native Orchids of Singapore Coins feature two native orchids – Grammatophyllum speciosum and Cymbidium finlaysonianum. Each coin weighs 1 troy ounce, has a face value of SGD$5 and a diameter of 40.70mm. Only 10,000 pieces minted for worldwide distribution and will only be issued on 12 November 2011. These coins are the first in a new series that celebrates the beauty of over 200 species of orchids that once thrived in Singapore. Only a small fraction survive in our forests today.

Each coin boasts a distinctive feature, where it is semi-rimless at the bottom right of the coin. The obverse of the coin bears the Singapore Arms with the year 2011. The coins will be featured at the opening preview of the 20th World Orchid Conference, which will be held in Singapore from 13 to 20 November 2011. The coins can be purchased individually or as a coin set.

The details are as follows:

a) Native Orchids of Singapore 2-in-1 Coin Set

This coin set comprises two pieces of 999 Fine Silver Proof coins with colour application. Each coin weighs 1 troy ounce, has a face value of $5 and a diameter of 40.70mm. Each set is accompanied by two certificates of authenticity with the same serial number.

b) Grammatophyllum speciosum 999 Fine Silver Proof Colour Coin

This is the world’s largest orchid plant. A fully mature plant can weigh over a ton. It produces inflorescences that can be longer than two metres, bearing over 30 flowers. The flowers are uniquely coloured and resemble the coat of a tiger, hence its common name, Tiger Orchid.

The Tiger Orchid is one of the first native orchid species re-introduced under the Singapore Botanic Garden’s Orchid Conservation Programme.

Specifications:

Issue Date: 12-Nov-2011

Face value: $5

Diameter (mm): 40.70

Weight (g): 62.21

Material: 999 Fine Silver

Mintage: 10,000

c) Cymbidium finlaysonianum 999 Fine Silver Proof Colour Coin

This species produces pendulous inflorescences of flowers that are of an unusual olive colour complemented by an intense purple lip with a yellow tinge. Its narrow leaves are thick and leathery, growing up to 75cm in length and 4cm in width.

This orchid is another example of a native orchid species that has been successfully re-introduced into our urban landscape through the Orchid Conservation Programme.

Specifications:

Issue Date: 12-Nov-2011

Face value: $5

Diameter (mm): 40.70

Weight (g): 62.21

Material: 999 Fine Silver

Mintage: 10,000

Retail Price: S$300.00

The coins will be sold by The Singapore Mint. For enquiries and coin orders, the public can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 / 6895 0288 / 6222 2486 / 6238 9890 or www.singaporemint.com.

2012 Queen Diamond Jubilee Gold Coin

Royal Canadian Mint is pleased to introduce a grand tribute to the occasion by being the first mint in the world to issue a coin integrating a genuine diamond; 2012 Queen Diamond Jubilee Gold Coin. Using a proprietary process, a certified Canadian diamond is locked inside the coin's rim as the coin itself is struck. This allows the proud owner of this innovative coin to admire the diamond's brilliance on either side of a coin fashioned of 99.999% pure gold; the purest of its kind in the world. Each of these coins, which are limited to 1,500 examples world-wide, is accompanied by a serialized certificate confirming the diamond's authenticity, weight and clarity. This exclusive new coin with a $300 face value retails for $1,999.95 CAD.

The reverse of this coin depicts a portrait by Canadian artist Laurie McGaw, of a young Queen Elizabeth II, with her hand outstretched as if to touch the genuine Canadian diamond symbolizing her sixty-year reign. The obverse design is the work of British Columbia portrait artist Susanna Blunt, who designed the effigy of Her Majesty which has appeared on Canadian coins since 2003 and was introduced in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Coin is encapsulated and presented in a themed wooden collector box and beauty box featuring the official Diamond Jubilee Emblem to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

2012 $300 PURE GOLD COIN – THE QUEEN'S DIAMOND JUBILEE 1952-2012(WITH CANADIAN DIAMOND)

Technical Specification:
Mintage: Limited to 1500 coins worldwide
Composition: 99.999% pure gold
Finish: proof
Weight: (g) 22.0
Diameter: (mm) 25
Edge: serrated
Certificate: serialized
Face value: 300 dollars
Artist: Laurie McGaw (reverse) , Susanna Blunt (obverse)

You can visit Royal Canadian Mint website at http://www.mint.ca/ to place your orders.

Marilyn Monroe 85th anniversary coin

Are you a Marilyn Monroe die hard fan? A Marilyn Monroe 85th anniversary coins are available for your collection from Coin Invest Trust. The coins come with two variety, a 5 dollars .925 Silver and a 1 dollar Copper Silver plated. Both coins issued country is Cook Island. The 5 dollars Silver coin is inserted with real diamond as her earring and only 1,926 coins will be minted. 5 August next year, it will be 50 years since Marilyn Monroe died.

Marilyn Monroe (June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962) was a legend already during her lifetime. Her life was the story of Cinderella - from an unknown girl to the idolised and adored megastar. She grew up in humble conditions and managed what rarely anybody achieves. She became so famous that, to this very day, just under 50 years after her death, she is still remembered. It is said that the movie star received more fan post in the first years after her tragic death than many a Hollywood star in those times. Marilyn Monroe was an incredibly beautiful woman who was very expressional in her films and on photographs.

Marilyn Monroe - silver

Art.-No.: 25504

Country: Cook Islands

Year: 2011

Face value: 5 Dollars

Metal: Silver .925

Weight: 25 g

Diameter: 38.61 mm

Quality: Proof

Mintage: 1'926 pcs.

The silver coin has a real diamond insert.

Marilyn Monroe - Copper Silver Plated

Art.-No.: 25506

Country: Cook Islands

Year: 2011

Face value: 1 Dollar

Metal: Copper silverplated

Weight: 27 g

Diameter: 38.61 mm

Quality: Proof

Mintage: 2'500 pcs.

You can buy these coin from Coin Invest Trust by emailling them at Info@coin-invest.li or browsing their website: www.coin-invest.li. They can also be contact by Phone: +423 388 16 88 or Fax: +423 388 16 89.

9/11 coin scam warning

The United States Mint had issued a 9/11 coin scam warning following a product by National Collector's Mint; "10th Anniversary September 11th Commemorative Dollar" and claims that it is a "Liberian government authorized legal tender coin." US Mint warned users that this product is not a genuine United States coin or medal. Under the Constitution, Congress has the exclusive power to coin money of the United States. Congress has delegated its authority to mint and issue coins to the Secretary of Treasury, and Congress requires the Secretary to carry out these duties at the United States Mint. Thus, the United States Mint is the only government entity in the United States with the authority to coin money.

Consumers may find the advertisements for this product confusing because the National Collector's Mint uses phrases such as "legal tender dollar." The product itself may be confusing because it bears the denomination "One Dollar." Congress did not authorize the National Collector's Mint product, and the United States Government does not endorse it. On January 2011, US Authority said they're investigating a Fake September 11 coin minted by the National Collector's Mint. Two Democratic New York congressmen, Rep. Jerrold Nadler and Sen. Charles Schumer, have accused the National Collector's Mint in Port Chester, New York, of selling bogus September 11 coins in an attempt to exploit the tragedy for profit.

The only official United States coin or medal to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks is the "National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal," which is authorized by Public Law 111-221 (approved by the President on August 6, 2010). You can read the scam warning in US Mint website; 10th Anniversary September 11th Commemorative Dollar Alerts. I also found some news video by WPRI TV relating to that matter:

Taiwan new commemorative banknote mayhem

I suppose to write a post about something else just now but the Taiwan new commemorative banknote mayhem news in Taiwan China Post get my intention. Yesterday, Central Bank of China (CBC) release the “Collector's Version of the Republic of China Founding Centenary NT$100 Banknotes” with 500,00 sets up for grab among collectors. Almost all the set gone few hours after the sale immediately resold for as much as NT$2,000 each, far more than the face value of NT$300 and retail price of NT$500. Each set has three NT$100 bills in it. Pictures of people line up waiting to buy the new Taiwan commemorative banknote get my attention. I had seen people lining up for new coins, notes or stamps in Malaysia but its really a mayhem in Taiwan. Look like people are rallying to get a piece of the notes.

Its all because of  local collectors and investors vied with those from Hong Kong and China for the memorabilia expected to rise in value soon. The rich investors and collectors hired  College students, housewives, and old folks with time to kill. Some speculators, armed with NT$10 million cash each, even stood in the streets outside the CBC building in downtown Taipei offering cash in broad daylight to smiling people for the prizes in their hands. The more enterprising among them, allegedly from Hong Kong, even brought mobile toilets and provided lunchboxes and cold drinks for their hired hands, who were paid around NT$180 an hour.

According to analysts, the unprecedented rush on CBC was caused by the insatiable demand for currency sets in mainland China, where such items are easily resold for a profit, especially after the Jan. 6, 2011, first CBC sale of these banknote sets. On the other hand, contract-bound local coin and banknotes dealers were so anxious to avoid being penalized for failure to deliver the sets they simply bid up the prices. The first 300,000 sets, all sold out at the beginning of the years, could then fetch a price up to NT$8,000 in a resale, more than 20 times higher than their face value and retail price. 

Source: Taiwan China Post

Nowadays, its even hard to find China Silver coins in Malaysia markets. Many of the coins had been bought by Chinese from mainland China who bought them at a very high price. What happen if this kind of frenzy@crazy thing start happening in Malaysia? Or is it already happening? You tell me. I am here just to share some interesting story that I found.

9/11 Official Medal 2011

Everyone in this world knew what happen on 11 September 2001. Almost 3,000 people were killed in terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City. United States Mint released a 9/11 Official Medal 2011 for us to remember and honor those who perished in the attacks. The medal is authorized by Public Law 111-221, the "National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2010." Its not just Americans who died in that tragedy, Malaysian who work in the World Trade Center that day also perished. 

The medal's obverse (heads side) design features Lady Liberty holding the Lamp of Remembrance. Behind her are beacons of light stretching skyward. Lady Liberty, the lamp and the light symbolize not only the immeasurable loss on that fateful day, but also the resilience and triumph of those who persevered. Inscriptions are ALWAYS REMEMBER and 2001 - 2011. The medal's obverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

The medal's reverse (tails) design depicts an eagle - symbolizing the strength of the survivors, the families and the Nation - against a backdrop of cascading water. The flowing water is emblematic of peace, serenity, healing and the continuity of life. Inscriptions are HONOR and HOPE. The medal's reverse was designed by Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.

Pricing for the 2011 September 11 National Medal is currently set at $66.95. A $10 surcharge included in the price of each medal is authorized to be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a private not-for-profit organization overseeing the design and funding of the memorial and museum at the World Trade Center site. The funds will support the museum's operations and maintenance once it is completed. To learn more about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, please visit http://www.911memorial.org/.

To place an order, visit http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.

Technical Specifications:

Condition: Proof

Contains: 1 ounce of silver

Diameter: 1.598 inches

Edge: Smooth

Mintage Limit: 2,000,000 (across all options)

MINT: Philadelphia or West Point

MINT MARK: P or W

Rugby World Cup 2011 Coins

Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC) will be starting in 2 days time. New Zealand will be hosting this year RWC starting on 9 September 2011 until 23 October 2011. 20 countries will be competing each others in 13 venues for the 7th world cup. I am not a big fan of Rugby but any big competition like this should had some collection to help us remember them when it is over. I had been searching for information on any Rugby World Cup coins for 2011 that I can find but I only found 4 Mint/coin dealers who launched such coins for coin collector.

New Zealand Post
-All Blacks Silver Proof Coin

2011 All Blacks Silver Proof Coin launched by New Zealand Post on 19 October 2010. The one ounce pure silver coin is authorised by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and, as per all New Zealand legal tender coins, has a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the ‘heads’ side. On the reverse of the coin, you can see Black face with a repeating fern pattern in low-relief, All Blacks logo and One Dollar are incused in silver. Read More.

-All Blacks-Haka Silver Coin 2011

All Blacks-Haka Silver Coin 2011 is the second coin issued by New Zealand Post. The coin portrays the All Blacks performing Te Rauparaha’s famous ‘Ka Mate’ haka before a match - a performance for which they are renowned the world over.The rim of the coin is engraved with Te Rauparaha’s renowned chant of the ‘Ka Mate’ haka: “Ka mate, Ka mate! Ka ora, Ka ora!” (“Will I die! Or will I live!”). Read More.

-2011 Webb Ellis Cup Coin

New Zealand Post with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has released an official legal tender commemorative coin featuring the Webb Ellis Cup. The Webb Ellis Cup is the trophy awarded to the winner of the Rugby World Cup. The Cup is named after William Webb Ellis, who is often credited as the inventor of rugby football. The trophy is silver gilt and has been presented to the winner of the Rugby World Cup since the first competition in 1987. Read More.

-RWC 2011 Champions Silver Proof set

New Zealand Post with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand also produced a RWC 2011 Champions Silver Proof Coin set. You will get the Webb Ellis Cup Coin and four other coins representing country that had won Rugby World Cup before;  Australia (twice, in 1991 and 1999), South Africa (twice, in 1995 and 2007), New Zealand (1987) and England (2003). Read More.

Perth Mint
-Wallabies-Men of Gold 2011

Wallabies-Men of Gold 2011 minted by Pert Mint. The coin’s reverse depicts a Wallabies player in action, holding a rugby ball. The design features the famous Wallabies green and gold colours and official logo.Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination. Read More.

South African Gold Coin Exchange
-2011 Mandela SA Rugby

The South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE) launched the new 2011 Rugby Coin Set on 31 August 2011. The coin set come with a 1/2oz gold and a 1oz silver coin. The reverse of the coin feature the Springbok emblem and the reverse show Mandela’s bust with the words “A Long Walk To Freedom”. The coin set minted by Mint of Norway and has a limited mintage of 2011 sets. They also launched an exclusive 2oz Mandela Rugby Set contains a 2oz gold and 2oz silver medallion. Read More.